Karaoke songs you’ll want to sing for men in their 70s: Enka and nostalgic Showa-era pop
In this article, we’ll introduce a comprehensive list of karaoke songs perfect for men in their 70s.
Focusing on tracks from the 1960s to the 1980s that they likely listened to in their youth, we’ve gathered many classic enka and Showa-era pop songs.
If you’re in your 70s, you’ll probably know every song here—and each one may bring back a variety of memories.
We hope this article helps you choose songs for your next karaoke session.
Reminisce about the old days and have a great time singing with friends of the same generation!
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[For Men in Their 70s] Karaoke Songs You’ll Want to Sing: Enka and Nostalgic Showa-Era Kayōkyoku (81–90)
draft (cold air seeping through gaps)Sugi Ryōtarō
A signature song by Ryotaro Sugi, whose lyrics—rich with profound views on life and warm hope—resonate deeply.
Released in October 1976, it set a record by staying on the Oricon singles chart for 147 weeks.
Used as the ending theme for the NHK period drama Toyama no Kin-san, it is a song etched in many hearts.
Singing about overcoming life’s hardships and finding happiness, this piece likely resonates strongly with the life experiences of older listeners.
When you sing it at karaoke, try recalling your own memories and sing with a relaxed heart.
You’re sure to have a wonderful time.
Brother ShipsToba Ichirō
Sung by Enka heavyweight Ichirō Toba, “Kyōdai-bune” (Brother Ship) was his 1982 debut single and continues to be loved by many.
Composed by Toru Funamura with lyrics by Tetsurō Hoshino, this classic powerfully depicts the bond between brothers who make their living at sea.
Selling 290,000 copies on the Oricon charts, it’s a song packed with memories of youth.
Sing it at karaoke, and the passionate scenes of that era will come rushing back—sure to fire up everyone listening!
I’m appearing under my former name.Kobayashi Akira
While Akira Kobayashi dominated his era through his film appearances, he also released numerous hit songs, including “Dynamite ga 150-ton.” In particular, “Mukashi no Namae de Deteimasu,” released in 1975, is a work that lets you fully savor the signature ‘Akira-bushi’ style that forms his foundation.
Although it went largely unnoticed for a time, thanks to his steady efforts it surged to become a long-selling hit in 1977.
His powerful singing voice will surely evoke memories of youthful days.
Why not liven up your karaoke time with its heartfelt melody?
Sōemonchō Bluesheiwa katsuji to daakuhosu
“Sōemonchō Blues” by Katsuji Heiwa and Dark Horse is a nostalgic hit released in December 1972.
Based on Kenji Kitahara’s classic original, one of its charms is Heiwa’s singing, which reflects his background as a rōkyoku (narrative singing) performer.
Over time, it has become a karaoke staple, and for male listeners in their 70s, it’s a precious song that revives scenes from their youth.
It’s perfect for reminiscing while feeling the breeze of your hometown.
Be sure to sing it at karaoke and enjoy a wonderful time!
The Camellia Sasanqua InnŌkawa Eisaku
Eisaku Okawa has captivated many fans with his warm voice and emotionally rich singing.
Among his works, “Sazanka no Yado,” released in 1982, became an unforgettable major hit and a classic that colored the karaoke scene of the 1980s.
With its bittersweet yet beautiful melody and lyrics depicting deep romance, this piece is sure to evoke memories of youth for listeners in their seventies.
The imagery comparing the complex emotions of love to red flowers is especially striking, reviving feelings long tucked away in the depths of the heart.
This song is a perfect fit for those who carry the subtleties of adult love within them.
A solitary journey to MichinokuYamamoto Jōji
Joji Yamamoto is a singer whose emotionally rich enka has been loved across generations.
In particular, “Michinoku Hitori Tabi” resonates deeply with many listeners and has inspired profound empathy since its 1980 release.
Yamamoto’s powerful voice vividly conveys the resolve to uphold a strong love even while being buffeted by fate, capturing the hearts of many fans.
Those of his generation in particular will likely feel both nostalgia and freshness at once.
The song’s beauty and Yamamoto’s vocal prowess truly shine, and it’s especially rewarding to sing at karaoke.
[For Men in Their 70s] Karaoke Songs You’ll Want to Sing: Enka and Nostalgic Showa-Era Kayōkyoku (91–100)
Dream-Chasing SakeAtsumi Jirō
Jiro Atsumi is a leading figure in the enka world, renowned for his overwhelming vocal prowess.
His signature song, “Yumeoi-zake,” released in 1978, won numerous awards and entered the Oricon Top 10 the following year.
The song’s poignant lyrics and melody, which evoke a sense of lost love, captured the hearts of many listeners.
By performing this piece, Atsumi cemented his status in the enka scene and continues to be loved by many to this day.
Why not belt it out powerfully at karaoke while basking in past passion and nostalgia?
In conclusion
We’ve put together a comprehensive list of songs that get men in their 70s fired up at karaoke.
In addition to classic enka, there are plenty of tracks mainly from the ’60s to the ’80s.
I hope this helps you pick songs while feeling nostalgic—“I used to listen to this all the time back then.” Share your memories from those days and have a great time getting everyone excited together.